Marvel’s summer event continues this week with the mystery of who killed The Watcher still on the tip of many of the heroes’ tongues. This issue progresses the story, but does it progress enough considering it’s a slow burn mystery? Is it good?
Original Sin #4 (Marvel Comics)
Plenty has happened in the three issues prior to this one. The Watcher was murdered, then his eye was stolen, then his eye was used as a “truth” bomb and everyone’s sins were revealed to them. Then last issue, Bucky aka the Winter Soldier cut Nick Fury’s head off whilst the man was observing the eye of The Watcher. A key note was made before his death, he couldn’t see his sins. Curiouser and curiouser. How could Bucky do such a thing? Well worry not, as we find out in this issue!
Jason Aaron continues to write each character he’s touching on in an interesting way. The man has an excellent command of each character’s voice, which continues on in this issue. This issue opens on Dr. Strange and Punisher as they accidentally run into Wolverine and Hulk who just so happen to be standing over the beheaded body of Nick Fury. All of the characters bleed onto the page quite nicely and you’ll find yourself believing they are all different and interesting snowflakes. We also join Black Panther, Emma Frost and Ant-Man for a time, although they don’t quite get as many character moments as the others. It looks like all these crews will be joining up soon though, as even Moon Knight comes into the fold by issue’s end. Essentially we have a nice issue that wraps up last issue’s mystery (why did Bucky kill Nick Fury?) and a culmination of all the heroes into one room. That means less cutting between groups, at least for the time being.
Recap of what is going on…lulz
I won’t spoil the big reveal on the last page, but damn is it a satisfying reveal. It actually tackles an issue I’ve had with the Marvel Universe for some time and it makes a lot of sense too. So not only do we get a rather well plotted mystery, but some cool developments on a major hero that should satisfy a plot hole that’s been lingering for decades.
Eye Face is a good rename of this character.
The art by Mike Deodato Jr. is a little stifling. I think it may be due to how much shadow is cast in every panel, but it’s as if the walls are coming in on our heroes. The thing is, that isn’t necessarily something that helps the story. There’s definitely a sense of dread and danger that’s lingering, but it’s a bit too much. At times it makes things feel so claustrophobic and unsettling and that feeling isn’t really necessary for a scene. Case in point, a moment of humor is almost made negative and depressing due to the art. It’s still masterfully done, I just don’t think it fits the story at all times. The event is too positive and light to marry itself to something so dark and brooding.
Love this Ant-Man/Dr. Strange moment.
Is It Good?
The art is a bit troubling and doesn’t suit the story at every moment, but the plot thickens and there’s a major reveal that’ll make fans giddy. There is a lot of infighting and moments that feel like filler, but generally speaking this is great event so far and beats any of the convoluted stuff Marvel has put out in years.
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